Kelantan creates history

Kelantan created history by lifting the Malaysia Cup for the first time in the most prestigious competition in the Malaysian football league, after defeating defending champions Negeri Sembilan 2-1 in the final at the National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Saturday night.

The victory allowed last year's defending champions to end their 55-year drought since they marched into the final in 1955 when the Cup was known as the H.M.S. Malaya Cup.

Negeri Sembilan opened scoring in the 13th minute through a penalty kick by Shahurain Abu Samah. Referee Subkhiddin Mohd Salleh gave the penalty to Negeri Sembilan after Kelantan keeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat's felled S.Kunalan in the penalty box.

Negeri Sembilan kept the pressure on Kelantan through speedy attacks but they failed to break the Kelantan defence manned by Mohd Daudsu Jamaludin, Mohd Farisham Ismail and Rizal Fahmi Abdul Rosidi.

In the second half, the "Red Warriors", urged on by at least 60,000 supporters to find the goal, kept charging at their opponents' goalmouth and eventually equalised.

That equaliser came in the 57th minute from a header by Kelantan captain Indra Putra Mahayuddin through a pass by Norshahrul Idlan Talaha.

Without their main pillar, Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak who was taken out due to injury, Negeri Sembilan were under more pressure, trailing 1-2.

To reinforce the back, Kelantan coach B. Sathianathan made the clever move of introducing Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli and Khairan Eroza Razali. The pulsating match ended with Kelantan emerging champions this season with a 2-1 victory over Negeri Sembilan.
--BERNAMA 

Diamond of Asia award for PM

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will confer its prestigious award, the AFC Diamond of Asia award, to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, at its Annual Awards night on Nov 24.

AFC in it's official website, www.the-afc.com, said that the prestigious AFC award was bestowed upon an individual for exemplary contribution towards the development and promotion of football, on and off the field, within the Asian continent. This honour is AFC's way to acknowledge the recipient's sterling services.

The AFC Executive Committee has decided to honour the Premier for his continuous support to AFC in his capacity first as the Deputy Prime Minister and after taking over the Prime Minister's post on April 3, last year.

"We (the AFC Executive Committee) felt that Asian football had benefited in a great way with the help and support of Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," AFC President Mohamed Hammam was quoted.

"Malaysia is the home of AFC since 1965 and he was instrumental in granting AFC a special status in this country.

"His contribution to develop the game in the continent and his determination to take Asian football to greater heights should be recognised by all the stakeholders of the game," he added.

The recipient of this accolade enjoys a distinguished position within AFC and ranks only after the AFC Executive Committee in terms of importance within AFC's protocol and hierarchy.

Kelantan in final again

Malaysia Cup holders Negeri Sembilan will again meet Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup final when they won their semi-final second leg matches Saturday night.

Negeri Sembilan beat Johor FC 2-0 at JCORP Stadium in Pasir Gudang while Kelantan beat Kedah 1-0 in the other semi-final match at Sultan Muhammed IV Stadium in Kota Baharu.

Visitors Negeri got lucky when referee Nagor Amin Noor Mohamed judged that the header by Mohd Shukor Adan had crossed the goal line in the 36th min. Johor FC were again punished when Negeri was awarded a penalty kick which Sharurain Abu Samah scored in the 60th min.

In Kota Baharu, Kelantan looked the hungrier side as several goal attempts brought out some fine saves from Kedah goalkeeper Mohd Helmi Eliza Elias.

Malaysia Cup runners-up Kelantan got a break when Nur Shahrul Idlan Talaha beat Mohd Helmi with a corner kick in the 78th min.

Negeri Sembilan will meet Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup final on Oct 30 at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Why FAM?

Kelantan coach, B. Sathianathan has been suspended for six months, for an incident that took place three months ago. Sathia was informed today by his employers, Kelantan FA, of this suspension by the FAM Disciplinary Committee.

And tonight Kelantan has an important second leg Malaysian Cup semi final match.What's the matter FAM?.

FIFA suspends exco members

The FIFA Ethics Committee, under the chairmanship of Claudio Sulser, decided today, 20 October 2010, to provisionally suspend, with immediate effect, the members of the FIFA Executive Committee Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii from taking part in any football-related activity (administrative, sports or any other) after examining their cases in relation to the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™. After hearing Amos Adamu and Reynald Temarii, the Ethics Committee considered that a provisional suspension was required while the investigation continues, taking into account the gravity of the case and the likelihood that a breach of the FIFA Statutes, the FIFA Code of Ethics and the FIFA Disciplinary Code has been committed.

Furthermore, the Ethics Committee examined the cases of four officials – Slim Aloulou, Amadou Diakite, Ahongalu Fusimalohi and Ismael Bhamjee – also in relation to an alleged breach of the FIFA Statutes, the FIFA Code of Ethics and the FIFA Disciplinary Code linked to the bidding process for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups™. The committee also decided to suspend these four officials provisionally from taking part in any football-related activity.

FIFA opened proceedings against the two Executive Committee members on 18 October 2010 and requested the Ethics Committee to conduct an independent, in-depth investigation into the matter. The Ethics Committee will meet again in mid-November 2010 in order to take a final decision on the matter after gathering more information and evidence on the six cases.

”The decision to provisionally suspend these officials is fully justified and should not be put in question. The evidence that has been presented to us today has led us to take this provisional measure, as we considered that the conditions were definitely met to take this decision and we deem that it is crucial to protect the integrity of the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup bidding process. We are determined to have zero tolerance for any breach of the Code of Ethics,“ said the chairman of the Ethics Committee, Claudio Sulser.

Finally, and again at the request of FIFA, the Ethics Committee decided to open an investigation into alleged agreements between member associations and their Bid Committees in relation to the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup™ bidding process, something which would also be a violation of the Bid Registration document and the Code of Ethics. A decision on this case will also be taken by the Ethics Committee at its meeting in mid-November, following a thorough investigation.

Chelsea vs Malaysian Selection on 21st July

English Premier League (EPL) champion and current leader, Chelsea, Tuesday announced that the match against a Malaysian XI will be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on July 21, next year as part of their pre-season Asia Tour 2011.

ProEvents, a leading football marketing and management consultancy in Asia, said in a statement Tuesday that Chelsea had also confirmed its participation in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Hong Kong to complete their pre-season tour.

The Champions will be competing against Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and the 2010/11 champions of the Hong Kong First Division on July 27 and 30.

"We are proud to be appointed by the Premier League as the official local promoter for the Barclays Asia Trophy 2011.

"Chelsea are the Champions and they are the leaders. With a confirmed schedule of matches for their Asia Tour, all Chelsea supporters in the region will be able to plan ahead and follow the team all the way," said ProEvents chief executive officer Julian Kam.

He added that a comprehensive programme would be drawn up to welcome Chelsea to Kuala Lumpur.

Activities to promote the event, together with match details relating to ticket pricing, venues and timing, would be announced soon, he said.

Top marks for FAM

The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has earned top marks among seven National Sports Associations (NSA) that were listed under category A in a list of 22 sports associations.

Former Sports Commissioner Datuk Nik Mahmud Nik Yusuf said apart from FAM, six other NSAs - Table Tennis Association of Malaysia (TTAM), Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF), Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), Malaysia Golf Association (MGA), Malaysian Amateur Basketball Association (MABA) and Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association (PSM).

"All seven NSAs under Category A or those who received 80 per cent points and above for best administration under a system carried out by the Sports Commissioner's Office from January to August," Nik Mahmud told Bernama at his office recently.

Nik Mahmud who replaced Tan Sri Elyas Omar on April 14, 2008 said the SC's office had carried analyzed 22 of the 26 NSAs in klang valley on their efficiency in following their constitution, budget, financial report, holding annual general meeting and other activities.

According to Nik Mahmud, NSAs under Category B or NSAs who received 70 per cent points and above were the National Shooting Association of Malaysia (NSAM), National Archery Association of Malaysia (NAAM), Malaysian Rugby Union (MRU) and Malaysian Amateur Boxing Federation.

NSAs under Category C or NSAs who received 55-69 per cent marks were Malaysian Gymnastics Federation (MGF) while the Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress was placed under Category D under the 40 per cent marks list.

The Baseball Federation of Malaysia (BFM) and Malaysian Rowing Association (MRA) were listed under Category E with less that 39 per cent marks or less while the rest on the list received lower marks.

Nik Mahmud said last year, about half of the NSAs did not submit their annual reports to the SC's office.
He added that the findings would be forwarded to the Youth and Sports Ministry for rating purposes. -- BERNAMA.

R.I.P "Gelek King" Dollah Kassim

Singapore's football legend Dollah Kassim (picture) has passed away. He was 61.

Nicknamed the 'Gelek King' for his extraordinary dribbling skills, Dollah suffered a heart attack a year ago while playing in a veterans' exhibition match. Doctors said he suffered an injury due to a lack of oxygen to his brain immediately after the collapse.

He had been in coma since then and was cared for at home. 

Born on 13 March 1949, Dollah was one of the most famous footballer in Singapore during the 1970s. in 1977, he helped Singapore bring the Malaysia Cup to Singapore. He was given the nickname "Gelek King", a nickname referring to his superior ball control, he was well known for his extraordinary dribbling skills.

On 4 October 2009, Dollah collapsed during a friendly match between ex-international players from Singapore and Malaysia in the Sultan of Selangor Cup due to a seizure and a cardiac event. He was admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital in a critical condition.

On 21 January 2010, the  S. League raised $82,000 for Dollah Kassim at a Charity Shield match between Singapore Armed Forces FC and Swedish champions AIK Solna at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.

The proceeds from the match, donations from the 2,352 spectators, a pledge of $10,000 from S.League co-title sponsors Great Eastern and various contributions from other corporations and club chairmen are donated to Dollah's family to help them pay for his medical bills.

He died this morning at 6.30am at his apartment.

IOC noticed it....

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) put this report in their highlights, even though some people did not bother to mention it in their writings.

The awards ceremony for the 2010 Women and Sport trophies of the Malaysian NOC, whose President is IOC member Prince Tunku Imran, was held at the end of September at the NOC’s sports complex, in the presence of the Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, and the Chair of the NOC’s Women and Sports Commission, Low Beng Choo.

The 2010 winners are: Christina Chee Shin Lian (leadership trophy), Normala Abd Rashid (trophy for development of sport in the community), Lucy Read (trophy for grassroots sports development), Jamhariah Jaafar (trophy for women sports journalism), Mr and Mrs Wong Loy Choy, parents of female badminton player Wong Mew Choo, (partnership trophy) and Choo Kon Lee (overall).

The IOC Women and Sport Achievement Diploma went to Zaiton Othman, winner of the NOC’s 2009 award and ranked third in the IOC 2010 Women and Sport Award for Asia.

A Thrashing in Delhi

Malaysia suffered its worst defeat in the Commonwealth Games when Australia handed a 7-0 thrashing in a Group A match at the Major Dhayn Chand National Stadium in New Delhi yesterday.
Australia’s Luk Doerner opened the floodgates in the fifth minute and went on to score a hat-trick, which ejected Malaysia out of the tournament.
The remaining goals came from Simon Orchard, Glenn Turner, Chris Ciriello and Eddie Ockenden.
Before the break, Australia was 4-0 up and headed for an easy victory as the Malaysians crumbled under pressure.
With the win Australia topped Group A and booked a place in the semifinals while in another Group A match, India whipped Pakistan 7- 4 to book their semifinal berth.

Asian Games: Malaysia in Group A

Malaysia has been drawn in Group A togather with China, Kyrgyzstan and Japan for the football tournament of the XVI Asian Games which will be held in Guanmgzhou, China from 7-26 Nov 2010.

The opening match will be played 5 days prior to the opening ceremony at Haixinsha Island in the Pearl River.

The competition, like the Olympic football tournament, will be an Under-23 tournament with three over aged players allowed per squad. The players born on or after 1 January 1987 will be eligible as U-23 players.

The football competitions will be played across seven venues - Ying Dong Stadium, Huadu Stadium, Huangpu Stadium, Yuexiu Stadium, Guangdong People’s Stadium, Huagdong Stadium and Tianhe Stadium.

The event will see 24 teams divided into six groups of four teams, each with the top two sides from each group plus the four best third placed teams making it into the Round of 16. From there on it would be a knockout tournament.

Defending Asian Games champions Qatar have been handed a relatively easy group in the 52-match show. Qatar, who defeated Iraq 1-0 in the final of the last edition of the Asian Games held in in their own backyard, are being placed in Group D alongside Kuwait, India and Singapore.

Meanwhile the Pakistani football team, which was deleted from the Asian Games on 28 June, has been included after the President of Pakistan Football Federation Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat offered to bear the expenses of the team’s participation in the Asian Games. Since the 2002 Busan Games, football at the Asian Games changed its age-limit and now it is an “U23 + 3 over age” tournament.

It will be Pakistan’s eighth trip to the Asian Games who have appeared in seven editions out of 15 so far.

Moving into the knockout stages is surely possible for the Akhtar Mohiuddin’s boys from Group-F but for that, a win against Maldives is a must plus good results against Thailand and the mighty Omanis.

Hosts China were slotted in Group A along with Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan and Japan. Group B includes Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain and Turkmenistan while Group C comprise of Korea Republic, Palestine, Jordan and DPR Korea. Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong and Bangladesh form Group E.

Groups:

Group A: China, Malaysia, Kyrgyzstan, Japan  

Group B: Iran, Vietnam, Bahrain, Turkmenistan            

Group C: Korea Republic, Palestine, Jordan, DPR Korea        

Group D: Qatar, Kuwait, India, Singapore       

Group E: Uzbekistan, UAE, Hong Kong, Bangladesh   

Group F: Pakistan, Thailand, Maldives, Oman .

Ministry to discuss Aricco's attire

Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Razali Ibrahim said he would hold talks with the Malaysian Weightlifting Association over Commonwealth Games gold medalist Aricco Jumitih’s decision to wear a vest with a Sabah flag on it during his event in New Delhi this week.

Aricco’s vest also had the word “Sabah” on the back instead of “Malaysia.”

In the 62 kg weightlifting event held on Tuesday, Sabahan Aricco (picture) wore a vest bearing the flag of his home state instead of the Jalur Gemilang usually worn by national athletes participating in international events.

“We are waiting to discuss this issue with the (weightlifting) association. I am aware of it, but let us discuss it first. I don’t wish to comment further,” Razali told The Malaysian Insider.

The incident follows criticisms about the Malaysian contingent’s untidy attire during the opening ceremony last weekend.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Zolkples Embong had commented that the Malaysian contingent appeared untidily dressed during the opening ceremony on Sunday.

“I saw the national contingent’s parade on opening night... They just didn’t look neat. They did not button their blazers, they also did not wear neckties. Some wore songkok, some did not. This made out contingent look untidily dressed,” Zolkples told Utusan Malaysia earlier this week.

He stressed, however, that the national contingent’s unkempt look had nothing to do with the choice of attire.

“It was not caused by improper choice of clothes. This is not the first time we have worn blazers to a major sporting event,” Zolkples said.

It is unclear if action would be taken against Aricco.

National Football Awards

The high level of competition this season has set the stage for a thrilling countdown to the third edition of the 100PLUS FAM National Football Awards due to be held on Nov 2.

"The first two years of the awards served some pleasant surprises. This year, with the competition so keen and the high quality of performances from the players, I believe this year’s awards ceremony will be nothing short of exciting. I am certain the fans will be following the awards very closely," said Dato’ Kamal Harun, National Corporate Affairs Manager, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Speaking at the launch of the new logo for the 100PLUS FAM National Football Awards, Dato’ Kamal said that the awards ceremony was organised to give due recognition to the players, officials and stakeholders in the game.

Also present at today’s launch ceremony was Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of the FA of Malaysia.

“The players give their very best in every match and the best players should be recognised for their tremendous efforts. They have to push themselves to the limit in their quest to lead their teams to success in the M-League,” commented Dato’ Kamal.

He said that the football fraternity will be eagerly waiting to find out which player will be crowned the Most Valuable Player of 2010. In addition to the main award, nine other awards will be presented by FAM Deputy President, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, on Nov 2.

"The launching of the official logo is significant as it shows that we are serious about this event and continue supporting it in the years to come. We are committed to working with FAM to contribute to the development of football in the country," said Dato' Kamal.

Datuk Azzuddin meanwhile added that the national association is always appreciative of the efforts of sponsors like 100PLUS to promote the game. "It takes support from all quarters to help raise the level of the game in the country. These awards not just recognise the efforts of the players but it will also go a long way to inspire younger players to be as successful as their seniors.

On the awards, Datuk Azzuddin also commented that the competition would be especially keen this year. “Some players have displayed outstanding performances throughout the season. We have also seen some new players coming through the ranks. And from what I have seen personally, there will be some surprises for sure this year."

For the record, the Most Valuable Player Award in 2008 was won by goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias (Kedah) while international striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Kelantan) took the top prize last year.

To make sure that only the best are considered for the annual 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards, a selection panel which consists of national coaches, members from the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) and officials from FAM come up with a list of candidates.

The list is then distributed to the coaches and captains of teams playing in the Super League and also the Premier League, who will then make the choice for the various individual awards and also the ultimate Most Valuable Player award.

Zaky to attend Global Trials in London

Nike Malaysia announced Mohammad Zaky B. Zulkifli as the winner of The Chance in Malaysia who will represent the country at the Global Trials in London next year. Playing under the watchful eyes of Arsenal FC manager, Arsene Wenger, Mohammad Zaky will join 99 other footballer from 40 countries with the hope of being one of the selected eight that join the Nike Academy , a high performance training program supported by the Premier League in England .

The announcement was made at The Chance final camp held at Bukit Jalil yesterday and was attended by Kelly Sathiraj, Assistant General Secretary, Football Association of Malaysia and national team coach K Rajagobal.

 

“The Chance is a wonderful program that affords young footballers the opportunity to take their first step towards playing football in a professional level under the under expert guidance from coaches like Arsene Wenger. The Football Association of Malaysia congratulates Nike Malaysia on their efforts to develop and bring football to a level that is on par with the powerhouses of the game in this region,” said Kelly Sathiraj.

 

Launched in September, The Chance in Malaysia saw more than 500 talented young players attending open trials in Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Penang and Pasir Gudang with national team coach K. Rajagobal and his panel of coaches having the arduous task of selecting the top 30 players to attend the final camp held on 5^th and 6^th October at Majlis Sukan Negara, Bukit Jalil.

 

“Throughout theses trials, we saw a lot of young talent within the Malaysian football community. The players were put through physical, mental and agility testing and we closely scrutinized them in these disciplines. The overwhelming response to the open trials showed that Malaysia is not short of football talent,” said coach K Rajagobal

 

“The program is certainly a boost for Malaysian football as it gives our young players the chance to prove their worth and possibly excel at the highest levels of participation. It brings out that drive and determination showing how badly the Malaysian youths wanted this chance,” he added.

 

The 30 selected players who attended the camp were put through physical and physiological tests by the experts from the National Sports Institute to assess their speed, stamina and mental endurance. Apart from this, the players also had to undergo football skills tests for the panel of coaches to evaluate their technical football abilities as a silo player and as part of a team. The tests were conducted with the aim of indentifying player with the right balance of physical and mental strength that will enable him to compete on a global level with his compatriots at the trials in London .

 

Staying true to their commitment to grassroots development of football, Nike Malaysia believes that The Chance is a recognizable platform for not just scouting youth potential, but also to develop the young football spirit in Malaysia and bring out the fullest of their capabilities.

 

“With the selection complete, we are proud to announce Mohammad Zaky as the Malaysian representative at the Global Trials where he will ply his trade with Arsene Wenger watching closely – this is the chance of a lifetime for any footballer and we believe that Mohammad Zaky will do the country proud. The Chance is a reinforcement of Nike’s ongoing efforts in developing and recognizing youth talent, whilst contributing to the football community in Malaysia ” said Menaha Nadaraja, Country Market Manager for Nike Malaysia .

 

Mohammad Zaky, hailing from Johor, attended The Chance open trials in Pasir Gudang and was one of the 8 players selected from the Southern region to attend the final camp.

 

“It has always been a dream for me to become a professional footballer and thanks to Nike I am now presented with this golden opportunity to take that first step towards achieving my goal,” The Chance winner Mohammad Zaky excitedly commented.

 

He also added, “I am truly grateful for this chance that Nike has awarded me with and I hope to write my future by qualifying to be one of the eight that is chosen for the Nike Academy ”

 

As members of the Nike Academy , players become full- time participants at a residential training centre in England with access to elite coaches, nutritionists, psychologists and fitness conditioners in addition to the world class facilities to perform at the highest level

The eight who are chosen will have their expenses paid to live in the United Kingdom for a year starting in July 2011 and be enrolled as a full time member of the Nike Academy .

 

The Nike Academy offers non-contract players unattached to professional clubs a chance to enter the professional game through world-class coaching and games against the elite academies and professional reserve teams. Since the academy’s start in 2009, eight players in the UK have received professional contracts.

 

Please contact Christopher Raj , NIKE Media Consultant at 016 6513512 for further information.

Symposium of Sports Health

Sukacita dimaklumkan bahawa Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (ISN) dengan kerjasama Persatuan Perubatan Sukan Malaysia (MASM) akan menganjurkan Symposium of Sports Health In Industry pada 20 Oktober 2010. Simposium ini akan diadakan di Dewan Perdana, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur.

Untuk makluman tuan/ puan, objektif utama simposium ini ialah untuk memupuk gaya hidup sihat di kalangan ahli-ahli korporat dari segi perubatan, kecederaan, nutrisi dan program suaian fizikal supaya lebih  professional, teratur, berkualiti, kompeten dan menguntungkan bagi semua pihak yang terlibat baik secara langsung mahupun tidak langsung. Selain itu, ia juga diharap dapat menggalakkan rakyat terlibat secara aktif di dalam  sukan  dan  rekreasi  agar   faedahnya   dapat   dirasai di seluruh  negara.

Konvensyen ini terdiri daripada jemputan  khas  "by  invitation  only",   mereka yang terlibat secara langsung dan tidak langsung dalam industri  sukan seperti syarikat korporat, syarikat berkaitan kerajaan (GLCs), pengeluar,  pembekal, bank, insuran dan guaman serta badan bukan kerajaan (NGOs).

Sehubungan dengan itu, pihak penganjur berbesar hati menjemput tuan/puan untuk menghadiri simposium ini di samping membina hubungan di kalangan peserta lain. Kerjasama tuan/puan atau wakil adalah dipohon untuk mengesahkan penyertaan dengan menghubungi sekretariat Puan Syarifah Fathynah syed shiekh di talian 03 8992 9960 atau Cik Chia Su Ping di talian 03  8992 9759 atau En John Chandra Lingesh di talian 03 8992 9790.

Tuan/puan juga boleh melayari laman web kami di www.isn.gov.my atau menghantar email di sshi@isn.gov.my atau fax di talian 03 8996 8748 (Att: Puan Normila Ismail) selewat-lewatnya pada atau sebelum 15 Oktober 2010 untuk tujuan menyelaras urusan pendaftaran.